Local Incentives Stabilize Markets During National Shifts: How New York City will continue solar expansion

Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI), which is innovating new ways for utilities and cities to manage energy and water, announced a collaboration with NVIDIA to address the industry’s most pressing challenges by accelerating the adoption of AI-powered solutions at the grid edge for utilities and communities. The collaboration uniquely combines Itron’s leading Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio with NVIDIA’s AI-powered solutions, integrating high-fidelity, real-time data to transform how utilities meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry. Itron will collaborate with NVIDIA to develop solutions for utilities to reach their goals, including grid resilience, disaster management and prevention, consumer engagement, operational efficiency, the secure delivery of affordable energy to customers – and challenges yet unknown.

Itron, which has delivered over 13 million distributed intelligence-enabled endpoints globally, will work with NVIDIA to provide better outcomes for utilities. By integrating the NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano and NVIDIA AI Enterprise platforms into Itron’s Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio, the companies will enable utilities to leverage the edge computing power of NVIDIA’s solutions for AI tasks, helping to optimize utility operations. This collaboration will bring greater value for utilities and unlock new opportunities to enhance grid resiliency and accelerate decarbonization initiatives by leveraging the power of data at the grid edge.

Itron’s Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio includes a diverse range of solutions such as demand response, distributed energy resource management and planning, managed services and more. NVIDIA will play a critical role in enhancing these solutions with AI. By integrating NVIDIA accelerated computing at the grid edge, utilities are able to extract more actionable insights for improved performance. Itron collects data from hundreds of millions of endpoints every day, and with this collaboration, NVIDIA’s AI platform can help transform how the vast amount of data can be turned into intelligent, real-time information to utility users.

By lowering the barrier to AI adoption, utilities can primarily benefit from these additional use cases:

• Grid Optimization – enables utilities to better manage energy distribution more efficiently and reduce energy losses at the edge
• Energy Demand Forecasting – edge computing AI analyzes data previously collected from customers and weather patterns to predict energy demand accurately, helping to reduce blackouts and transformer overload
• Real-Time Data Processing – allows utilities to gain immediate insights into operations to make quicker and more informed decisions

“Innovation is at the forefront of Itron and we continue to seek new ways to help our customers to improve their operations. As we embark on this AI journey with NVIDIA, we are excited to join forces with an industry pioneer and leader. Together, we aim to support our customers in streamlining their operations with edge computing AI. Itron and NVIDIA are committed to combining their expertise to benefit utilities and municipalities in the energy, water, gas, and smart city industry through AI,” said Don Reeves, Itron’s senior vice president of Outcomes.

“With AI at the edge of the grid, utilities can modernize legacy grid infrastructure, scale renewable energy and deliver lower costs to their customers. AI-enabled endpoints and other grid infrastructure are the future and building a software-defined smart grid better positions utilities for the energy transition while supporting their decarbonization goals, increasing grid reliability and ensuring energy equity. We are ushering in a new era of global innovation for utilities with our AI solutions and are excited to work with an industry leader like Itron in revolutionizing the way AI is used within the utility industry,” said Marc Spieler, NVIDIA’s Sr. Managing Director of Energy.     

NVIDIA | https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/

Itron | www.itron.com

The Oakland City Council just approved the installation of 244 Flash Level 2 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and other improvements across eight downtown city parking facilities.

The eight newly approved locations will add 244 Level 2 EV chargers to the existing 24 charging stations already installed at the Oakland City Center Garage (525 14th St.) and 32 charging stations at the Rotunda Garage (524 16th St.) for a total of 300. Level 2 chargers provide 240 volts of electricity, allowing nearly all-electric vehicles to charge from empty to full in four to eight hours.

“Oakland is committed to building a greener, more sustainable future, and expanding our public EV charging infrastructure is a critical step in that journey. These new chargers will make it easier for Oaklanders—especially those who don’t have access to at-home charging—to choose clean transportation. By investing in this infrastructure now, we’re ensuring that all our communities can benefit from the transition to electric vehicles, reducing emissions and improving air quality for everyone," said Interim Oakland Mayor Kevin Jenkins.

“The people of Oakland lead the nation in the transition to electric vehicles, and this gives them convenient, affordable access to the infrastructure they need to sustain the shift and make it a practical choice for more of our residents, especially those who can’t realistically charge at home,” said Josh Rowan, OakDOT Director.

This new partnership with Flash will help implement Oakland’s Zero Emission Vehicle Action Plan and 2030 Equitable Climate Action Plan, which together provide a roadmap to a zero-emission transportation system in Oakland. The chargers will be installed at no cost to the City and the City will receive half of net revenues from charging.

The new EV charging sites will be operational by the end of 2025 – some with on-site battery systems, lighting, and other property improvements – at the following addresses:

• Oakland Museum of California - 1000 Oak St.
• Marriott Convention Center - 1001 Broadway St.
• Pacific Renaissance Plaza - 1002 Webster St.
• Harrison Garage - 1200 Harrison St.
• Franklin Plaza Garage - 1735 Franklin St.
• Telegraph Plaza Garage - 2100 Telegraph Ave.
• 1800 San Pablo Lot - 1800 San Pablo Ave.
• Parkway Lot - 360-398 E. 19th St.

The new locations join the initial two that went live late last year as part of a growing EV charging ‘Innovation Lab’ Flash is building with a $5.8 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to demonstrate a reliable, scalable model for public charging infrastructure.  

“The City of Oakland and its residents have embraced electric vehicles and clean transportation,” said Hannon Rasool, director of the CEC’s Fuels and Transportation Division. “The city’s leadership in supporting and installing effective public charging infrastructure helps improve our communities. Oakland is setting an example for how cities can lead across California and the country.”

Data from Flash and CEC’s collaboration will provide technical and financial insights to improve efficiency, dependability, and return on investment to the City of Oakland. Flash will also promote the availability of the new EV charging stations through a multi-channel community outreach initiative, including direct outreach to area businesses.  

“This collaboration with CEC and the City of Oakland is a huge source of pride for us at Flash,” said Matt McCaffree, Vice President & General Manager of EV Charging at Flash. “We’re showing what’s possible for the future of parking plus charging and playing a part in helping Oakland and other smart cities make the EV transition a reality.”

Oakland Equitable Climate Action Plan | https://www.oaklandca.gov/topics/sustainable-oakland-1 

Flash | www.flashparking.com 

The Colorado Solar and Storage Association (COSSA), a cornerstone of the state’s clean energy industry, is excited to announce a pivotal leadership transition at a crucial moment in the sector’s growth. K.C. Becker, former Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, will step into the role of Chief Executive Officer of COSSA and Executive Director of the COSSA Institute. 

With her extensive expertise and proven track record, Becker will guide COSSA and the COSSA Institute as it seeks to decarbonize Colorado, foster economic growth, advance renewable energy policy, and promote education and equitable access to solar and energy storage solutions.

“I couldn’t think of a better fit to take our industry to the next level. K.C.’s dedication to climate action combined with her diplomatic leadership will prove to be an excellent combination for where we are headed and the goals we need to meet,” stated President of the COSSA Board, William Clay. 

Becker brings a wealth of experience in energy policy and regional community engagement to her new role. Most recently as Regional Administrator for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 8, she oversaw EPA activity in six states, including implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act. During her tenure with the Colorado State legislature, Becker sponsored groundbreaking climate change legislation as well as comprehensive reforms to state oil and gas regulations, and creation of the Just Transition Office. 

“This is a pivotal moment to leverage my experience in building a climate-safe future for our communities and position Colorado as a top-five solar energy state,” mentioned Becker, “Solar and energy storage aren’t just key to decarbonizing our environment and improving air quality—they have the potential to be powerful drivers of economic growth. Mike Kruger has set a great foundation, and I’m committed to working alongside our members to ensure his legacy continues and these technologies become central to Colorado’s future." 

Outgoing CEO, Mike Kruger, expresses his excitement for the organization’s next chapter, “Now, more than ever, we need strong leadership and influence at the state level. I believe there is no one better to take over those reins than Becker and look forward to seeing the industry flourish under her guidance.” 

This leadership transition underscores the positive and growing impact of the solar and storage industry on Colorado’s economy. In her new role, Becker will collaborate with COSSA’s diverse network of business members to advance clean energy policies, eliminate market barriers, expand the electric power sector, and enhance public understanding of clean energy’s value—while maintaining the highest standards of ethical integrity.

Colorado Solar and Storage Association | https://cossa.co/

Stracker Solar, the industry leader in elevated, high-efficiency solar tracking systems, is redefining renewable energy for car dealerships—offering a strategic solar solution that maximizes energy production while preserving full use of dealership lots. Strackers can generate up to 70% more power than fixed rooftop systems, give dealerships a fast track to net zero, and safeguard against rising electricity costs.

Engineered to the extreme, Strackers are built for maximum structural integrity to withstand worst-case weather and seismic events, including 120 mph winds, heavy snow loads, and hailstorms. Stracker’s durable dual-axis solar mounts tower above the competition with the only 30-year structural warranty in the industry, full UL certification, and minimal annual maintenance. 

Designed to follow the sun’s unique daily path, Strackers generate up to 70% more power annually than traditional rooftop solar systems, making them the most efficient and space-saving solar technology available for the automotive industry. Elevated Stackers are engineered to make more power per square foot than any other mounting option on the market.

Why Should Car Dealerships Care?

Auto dealerships have specific needs for solar installations: maintaining full use of car lots, minimizing operational disruptions, reducing energy costs, ensuring employee and customer safety, and preparing for the growing EV charging demand. Stracker Solar addresses all these concerns with a single solution engineered for the automotive industry. 

Unique Benefits for Car Dealerships:

• Preserve Full Lot Functionality: Strackers are elevated with a minimum ground clearance of 14 feet, allowing cars to be displayed and moved freely underneath. Unlike conventional solar carports, Strackers do not obstruct the flow of inventory or customer traffic.

• Provide Easy Lot lighting: Strackers feature automatic underside lighting that provides additional safety and security.

• Maximize Power Generation: Dual-axis tracking maximizes sun exposure, producing up to 70% more power per square foot than flat rooftop solar panels. This means fewer panels are needed to achieve energy goals, while preserving lot space for vehicle display and sales activities.

• EV-Ready and Future-Proof: Strackers can serve as a mounting platform for EV charging stations, empowering dealerships to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles while positioning themselves as green leaders in the automotive market.

• Cost Efficiency and Rapid Installation: Strackers install faster than traditional rooftop and carport solar, minimizing operational downtime, lowering upfront costs, and helping dealerships achieve ROI faster.

• Shade and Customer Comfort: Strackers protect inventory from sun damage by shading vehicles, keeping cars cooler and more comfortable for potential buyers.

• Durability and Safety: Strackers are UL-certified for safety and engineered to endure worst-case weather and seismic events.

Real-World Success: TC Chevy Case Study
A powerful example of Stracker Solar’s impact is the installation at TC Chevy in Ashland, Oregon. TC Chevy deployed eight Stracker units that generate 231,000 kWh annually, offsetting substantial energy costs and achieving net-zero electric consumption. The installation demonstrates how dealerships can seamlessly integrate renewable energy on car lots while improving their electric vehicle infrastructure.

“We wanted to become the first solar-powered auto dealership in the region to show our customers and the public that we care,” says Derek DeBoer, Owner and General Manager of TC Chevy. “It’s important to be forward-thinking. To offset our power usage, we decided to do it in the most efficient way possible, with Stracker dual-axis solar trackers. Implementing clean energy measures is the responsible way to do business – it’s good for the environment, good for the local community, good for everyone.”

Stracker Solar | https://stracker.solar

Last summer, MISO and the Organization of MISO States (OMS) released a report indicating a capacity shortfall ranging from a 2.7 Gigawatt (GW) shortfall to a 1.1 GW surplus starting in the summer of 2025, prompting a need for faster resource additions. In response, MISO introduced the Expedited Resource Addition Study (ERAS) to address perceived resource adequacy concerns, interconnection queue delays, and growing large load demands. MISO filed the ERAS proposal at FERC on March 17, 2025.

Clean Grid Alliance, a leader in renewable energy policy and grid planning in the MISO region, warns that ERAS overcomplicates an already complex system: 

“ERAS has been introduced primarily to address the demands of a few states within the MISO footprint that are seeking to prioritize resources not currently in the existing interconnection queue, despite ample availability of generating resources that have completed the queue and are ready for commercial operations,” said CGA Vice President, Transmission and Markets, David Sapper. 

ERAS is being pursued as a response to delays and inefficiencies in MISO’s queue management process. Instead, ERAS adds a new layer to an already complex system, overlapping with processes like the MISO Transmission Expansion Plan (MTEP), definitive planning phase, interregional transmission planning, and expedited project reviews. This additional complexity, compounded by the need to coordinate affected system studies with PJM and SPP and allocate transmission capacity to new generation, risks creating significant chaos and operational challenges. 

Even with a 21% completion rate, the queue has 18GW of storage and hybrid capacity, and planned transmission expansion could increase that to 29GW, far exceeding the projected shortfall. Furthermore, ERAS is moving forward before the full effect of recent queue reforms is seen, which has already reduced the queue by approximately 33%. 

CGA advocates for solutions that maintain open access, avoid delays to existing processes, and leverages faster-constructing resources that are already in the queue. 

“There is no need to upset the apple cart. Rather, we encourage MISO to embrace the simplest solution, which is to stick with their existing Tariff because it already allows for expediting serious projects," said CGA Executive Director Beth Soholt. “The existing Provisional Generator Integration Agreement (PGIA) maintains competition, efficiency, and reliability and can quickly interconnect the most certain, non-speculative projects, including gas. It’s technology-neutral and inherently prioritizes the need. Existing processes can bring capacity online quickly, while maintaining open access that keep costs down. This fast and fair solution to meeting large load demands is good for everyone.” 

Clean Grid Alliance | cleangridalliance.org

SolMicroGrid, a leading national microgrid company, announced the completion of a microgrid project at a Chick-fil-A Quarry Creek in Oceanside, California. SolMicroGrid typically leverages a combination of solar, on-site battery energy storage, and generators to enable reliable and continuous power to its clients. The project at this Chick-fil-A restaurant includes an 81 kWh battery energy storage system and has a 112 kW solar array consisting of canopy and ground-mounted modules.

The project’s components are all controlled by a sophisticated energy management system which optimizes the performance and maximizes the synergies between the technologies. Due to the location’s unique, sloped terrain, SolMicroGrid approached the ground-mount installation with a technique specifically designed for rocky slopes – utilizing ground screws instead of standard concrete-poured footings.

Among other benefits, microgrid projects strategically deploy distributed energy resources to lower energy bills. The Oceanside project is expected to deliver about one-third of the restaurant's annual energy needs at a 10% discount to grid power.

“The combination of solar and battery storage that we provided Chick-fil-A will help reduce energy costs while also achieving sustainability goals,” said Kirk Edelman, CEO of SolMicroGrid. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to provide Chick-fil-A with renewable energy at a discount.”

SolMicroGrid and Chick-fil-A’s latest achievement comes after successful microgrid deployments at local owner-operated locations at Chick-fil-A Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa, CA and Chick-fil-A March Lane at I-5 in Stockton, CA.

"Chick-fil-A's investment in piloting solar-powered microgrids, in partnership with SolMicroGrid, demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Peden Young, a principal program lead on the sustainability team at Chick-fil-A, Inc. “Harnessing renewable energy onsite at our restaurants reduces our environmental footprint, while also reflecting Chick-fil-A’s dedication to pursuing what's next and caring for our planet."

SolMicroGrid requires no upfront costs and provides quick-service restaurants, large franchises, grocery stores, and other building operators with customizable microgrid components that reduce energy costs and improve efficiency.

SolMicroGrid | https://solmicrogrid.com/

Chick-fil-A | www.chick-fil-a.com 

The U.S. energy storage market set a new record in 2024 with 12.3 gigawatts (GW) of installations across all segments, according to the latest U.S. Energy Storage Monitor report released by the American Clean Power Association (ACP) and Wood Mackenzie.  

The report shows a total of 12,314 megawatts (MW) and 37,143 megawatt hours (MWh) deployed, representing increases of 33% and 34% respectively over 2023 numbers. 

Record Growth for Grid-Scale Storage 
While Q4 grid-scale energy storage deployments were down 20% compared to Q4 2023, this was primarily due to the delay of 2 GW of projects in late-stage development from Q4 2024 to 2025.  

Texas and California continue to lead the market, with 61% of the total installed capacity in Q4, while the remaining 39% was installed across 13 states, expanding storage deployment beyond the leading markets. Grid-scale storage installations are forecasted to reach 13.3 GW in 2025. 

“After another year of record deployment, energy storage is solidifying its place as a leading solution for strengthening American energy security and grid reliability in a time of historic rising demand for electricity,” said ACP VP of Energy Storage Noah Roberts. “The energy storage industry has quickly scaled to meet the moment and deliver reliability and cost-savings for American communities, serving a critical role firming and balancing low-cost renewables and enhancing the efficiency of thermal power plants.”  

“Energy storage has entered a new phase of growth with its first year of double-digit deployment. We are increasingly seeing the industry’s growth diversified across geographic regions, with 30% of storage capacity additions in Q4 2024 represented by New Mexico, Oregon, and Arizona,” said Kelsey Hallahan, ACP Sr. Director of Market Intelligence. “With a robust pipeline, and forecasted sustained growth, the industry is on a path to surpass 100 GW of grid-scale storage deployed by 2030.” 

Residential and CCI See Strong Year 
The residential storage market exceeded 1,250 MW in 2024, marking its highest year on record and 57% above 2023 totals. A record-breaking 380 MW of residential storage was installed in Q4 2024, a 6% increase over the previous quarter.  

145 MW of community-scale, commercial and industrial (CCI) storage was installed in 2024, a 22% increase over the previous year. California, Massachusetts, and New York accounted for 88% of installed CCI capacity. 

2025 Forecast Sees Continued Growth 
Forecasted installations for 2025 have increased 7% over last quarter’s forecast. Across all segments, 15 GW of storage is expected to be installed this year, marking a 25% increase over 2024. 

“Activity has been strong and our forecast for this year has expanded,” said Allison Feeney, research analyst at Wood Mackenzie. “However, due to policy uncertainties, growth will likely slow down this year and in subsequent years. Growth will pick back up toward the end of the decade, with a projected 81 GW total installations from 2025 to 2029.” 

Allison Weis, global head of storage of Wood Mackenzie noted that the uncertainties surrounding the continuation of current tax incentives and the implementation of tariffs could change the long-term outlook. 

“It’s still too early to determine the final form of IRA tax incentives over the coming year,” said Allison Weis, global head of storage for Wood Mackenzie. “The combination of new tariffs on China and other countries with continued 45x and domestic content bonus adder incentives would make US-based systems more competitively priced. However, many domestic providers are not set up to meet quick demand. If higher pricing is combined with ITC tax incentives phasing out beginning in 2028, it could lower our five-year deployment outlook by as much as 19%.” 

American Clean Power Association | cleanpower.org